Simple ways to decorate the mantle

A fireplace can be a lovely focal point in any room.  As you’ll see in the photos of my home page at www.rightnowredesign.com, we used a large mirror, and just a few items to decorate the mantle, which reflects the modern decorating style of this family. 

When tackling a mantle, there are three time honored approaches, based on balance:

 Symmetrical:  identical objects surrounding a center piece.

 Asymmetrical:  Using items of different sizes and shapes to create a lively, energizing look.

 Radial:  Center item, with a group forming a half circle around the prominent item.

(Think of a collection of watches mounted around a center clock.)

Simple accessories for fall decorating 

This mirror from Ballard Designs is simple and elegant.  I love that you can hang it in either direction, which makes it versatile and adds value to the purchase.  When you get tired of it over the mantle you can use it in another room – think of it in the dining room opposite the table, with candles flickering and the mirror reflecting the light.

http://www.ballarddesigns.com/shopping/product/zoom/altviewmain.jsp?iProductID=10136&Default=view

My clients with children worry about candle safety.  There are several sources that sell battery operated ones, including Crate ‘n Barrel.  I’ve also found them at:

http://www.batteryoperatedcandles.net/round-pillar.html 

(I stayed at a high end hotel recently in downtown Chicago and my husband caught me looking at the bottom of the faux candle in the bathroom)!

Early influences shape our decorating taste

When I was a child, a copy of Better Homes & Gardens was always on my parents’ coffee table.  I would pore over the floor plans for hours, pondering the architect’s terms and their meaning.  At the age of eight, my dad made me a dollhouse from a BH&G plan.  I still have that house; it’s made out of plywood, with a center handle made to resemble a fireplace chimney.  Mom filled with the house with small versions of iconic design treasures, including a bright red Arne Jacobsen egg chair.

I  ended up buying a home that closely resembles the prairie style doll house.  And, I still enjoy the modern classics, mixed in with a touch of Asian and Prairie style.

Those early influences can play a great part in the design direction we take later in life.  We can embrace or reject our parents’ values, accept some of their ideas, and forge ahead on our own design path.  But sometimes, those early memories surprise us when we least expect it.

Enjoy your home, before it’s gone.

After staging a home recently, the client noted that she wished she had made the changes years earlier.  The house not only looked different, but felt different.   While her praise made me feel good, I also felt sad at her wistful comment. 

I started thinking about how so many of us put off projects or changes until they are forced upon us.  Let’s all re-commit to fully enjoying our homes while we’re in them.  If you can’t afford a renovation, make small changes that you’ll enjoy everyday:  new paint, clean windows, soft pillows, comfortable throws – whatever makes you feel good and enhances your nest.

Decorating for Newlyweds

Getting married or know a couple about to start their lives together? Your goal should be to have your space reflect both personalities and this new stage of your lives.

 1)   The key to Couple Design Heaven is the word compromise. 

 2)   Don’t start off married life with a bed you shared with a serious significant other.  If you’re headed towards the altar, first head towards the furniture store and shop together for this significant purchase.  Same goes for linens.

 3)   When designing a room together, one person should pick the colors while the other sets up the furniture layout.  Each person gets one veto and then you have to accept their decision.   Go for a classic look as opposed to a theme.

4)   If you’ve lived on your own for a while, you may have two of everything.  Set a time when you’re both relaxed and survey your belongings – one by one.  BE BRUTAL!   Who has the newer (in better condition) couch, fridge, etc.?   

 5)   Give the second chance items away to charity or sell them.  Reward yourselves by taking the money and buy something for the home that you will both enjoy. 

 6)   Display photographs of your favorite activities:  golf, cooking, kayaking, football, painting, etc.   These could be shared activities or ones that you like to do on your own.  Six on a wall (8×10) or (11 x 14) will have greater impact.  By displaying them together you are showing the world you are united as a couple.

 7)   Let go of guilt!  If an item doesn’t reflect this stage of your lives, let it go.  Life is too short to be surrounded by items that aren’t useful or pleasing.   Take a photo with you holding the item — you’ll always have the memory!

 8)   Start a collection together… this could be black and white photography, ceramics, or an emerging artist.  It’s a great way to express yourselves and tell the world what you are about as a couple.  Organize your collections by color or texture or category.

 9)   Men:  We really hate 68” flat screen TVs.  Women:  We really hate 18 pillows piled on the bed.

 10)  If your partner hates it, let it go.  I mean truly hates it.